Types of malocclusions that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment

Oral health is a reflection of our overall health, and a beautiful, healthy smile gives us the confidence we need in our daily lives.

Certain oral conditions can have a major impact on general health, as they can affect how we grow, look, speak, eat or socialise

The specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics is the professional who can help you regain the functionality and beauty of your smile, in perfect harmony with your facial appearance.

Orthodontic treatment thus ensures the functionality of the dentition by correcting those dento-maxillary conditions or anomalies that can negatively affect oral health and, by extension, general health.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with monitoring and guiding the growth and development of the dentofacial structures, as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dento-maxillary conditions and abnormalities.

The main tool used by the orthodontist to correct conditions identified following a specialist examination is treatment with braces (orthodontic appliances).

In general, orthodontic treatment is recommended for the management of dental malocclusions; however, within a multidisciplinary approach, braces serve to enhance the outcomes of other dental and surgical treatments.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process involving changes to the jawbones, facial bones and soft tissues as the teeth are moved into their new positions. The orthodontist is the specialist to consult for the correction of dental and jaw conditions or anomalies that may affect the harmonious development of a child or teenager, provided the visit to the clinic is made early on, as well as for the correction of problems faced by adult patients regarding the functionality of the dentition.

Based on the clinical examination and further investigations, the orthodontist will establish the diagnosis and classify the occlusion, after which they will draw up the treatment plan. Establishing the treatment plan for various types of orthodontic and dentofacial anomalies involves outlining the stages of treatment, predicting the results, and estimating the duration of treatment and retention.

Therefore, before starting orthodontic treatment, it is important to ensure that we have chosen a dentist with the necessary expertise to provide us with the best results.

Orthodontic treatment is recommended for correcting the position of teeth within the dental arches, guiding the growth of the jaws appropriately, creating space in the dental arches for permanent teeth, and correcting the bite and various types of malocclusion. The category of dentofacial anomalies treated by an orthodontist includes vertical overbite, underbite, crossbite, dental crowding, mandibular prognathism, and other conditions. Find out below what the main types of anomalies are that can be corrected with the help of orthodontic treatment.

Crowded teeth

Crowded teeth are unsightly and can affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they can also cause numerous health problems. Dental crowding is a form of dental malocclusion (Class I malocclusion), just like large gaps between teeth.

Because they do not align correctly, crowded teeth are harder to clean. In cases of dental crowding, toothbrush bristles and dental floss cannot clean the spaces between the teeth, which can increase the risk of cavities, particularly interdental cavities, as well as gingivitis or even periodontal disease.

Teeth are positioned on the dental arch at specific angles that help them withstand the forces generated during chewing. If these angles are altered due to dental crowding, the teeth’s resistance decreases and, in this context, abrasions (lesions that occur near the gum line due to pressure) may develop.

To correct this dento-maxillary anomaly, the orthodontist will recommend treatment with braces, of which there are several types. Fixed braces, made of metal brackets bonded to the outer surface of the teeth, are considered an optimal solution for dental crowding, as the teeth are repositioned with great precision.

Large interdental spaces

Large gaps between teeth, considered a form of Class I malocclusion, can occur between the central incisors (diastema or gap) or only between the lateral teeth, in which case they are called diastemas. Large gaps between teeth are unsightly, but can also cause speech difficulties. Braces will help reposition the teeth so that very large gaps are closed.

Vertical overbite

Dental malocclusions are usually caused by problems related to the shape and size of the jaw or teeth. Vertical overbite is a form of Class II dental malocclusion, diagnosed when the upper front teeth protrude significantly beyond the lower ones (the upper jaw has developed more than the lower jaw). Vertical overjet may have a hereditary cause or may be influenced by bad habits, such as thumb-sucking or using a dummy after the age of 2. Such a dento-maxillary anomaly can negatively affect the ability to chew food and eat properly, and may lead to speech difficulties, excessive enamel wear, as well as problems with the temporomandibular joints. Consequently, it is important to correct it using orthodontic treatment.

Reverse occlusion (underbite) and open bite

An underbite is a Class III dental malocclusion and is diagnosed when the lower front teeth protrude significantly forward or the upper teeth are set back significantly. This is also the most difficult type of malocclusion to treat. A patient with an underbite will have difficulty opening their mouth normally, and the chewing process is significantly affected. In the case of an open bite, there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth when biting down, which can affect speech.

Another form of malocclusion is crossbite, diagnosed by the orthodontist when the upper teeth do not align over the lower teeth during a normal bite.

The orthodontist is the professional with the necessary expertise to identify and correct these types of malocclusions using orthodontic appliances. The orthodontist will decide on the treatment based on the patient’s age, general health, and the severity of the dento-maxillary anomaly.

Macrodontia, another dento-maxillary anomaly

Macrodontia refers to the excessive growth of teeth in volume and can be localised, partial or generalised. Macrodontia can be treated using braces, following the orthodontist’s recommendation. In conclusion, these are the main dento-maxillary anomalies that can be corrected with braces. Depending on the severity of the case, the orthodontist may also recommend additional procedures to ensure long-term treatment success, and treatment options for malocclusions are more convenient than ever thanks to innovations in orthodontics.

If you have decided to undergo orthodontic treatment, the dentist will recommend the type of braces that are right for you.

The braces available at DENT ESTET clinics are:

• Braces - ALIGNER;
  • ClearCorrect®;
  • Spark™;
  • Invisalign®;
• Lingual braces;
• Fixed braces.

Braces help you regain your much-desired smile and significantly improve your quality of life, and postponing such treatment can have negative consequences for both your dental and general health.